YES BUT, YES AND...

Objective: Teamwork, accepting and building on each other's ideas.

Summary: To experience the power of resistance ('Yes, but') and

acceptance ('Yes, and').

Duration: Minimum 15 minutes

Number of participants: Unlimited (exercise is done in pairs)

Activity Description: Divide the group into pairs. Person A offers to

do something with person B. B replies "Yes, but..." and gives a reason
for not doing the activity. (For example: A: Let's go swimming. B: Yes,
but I don't have my bathing suit.) Then B makes a counter-suggestion
to which A again responds with "Yes, but..." and gives another reason
for not doing the activity. Do this exercise for 3 minutes.

In the second part of the exercise, A makes a suggestion again. This

time B responds with "Yes, and..." and adds to the activity. A, in turn,
reacts positively to the addition, responds with "Yes, and..." and
makes an additional suggestion to support the previous suggestions
(e.g., A: Shall we go swimming? B: Yes, and let's also go for a ride on
the water slide. A: Yes, and let's invent a new swim). Do this exercise
for 3 minutes.

Tips and Instructions: Demonstrate the exercise to the whole group

the first time. Be strict that pairs accept the idea and build on it.
Next, ask participants what they think of the different versions.
How did you feel about the two exercises?
What are the differences in terms of energy?
What similar situations do you see in your own work
environment?
What did you learn from this exercise that you could apply to
your work?

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